High eye pressure and glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition caused by excessive pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. This raised pressure develops when the fluid produced in the eye to nourish the cornea and lens cannot drain away as well as it should. When this fluid drains less effectively, the pressure inside your eye rises. As glaucoma is usually painless, it is important to have your eye pressure measured regularly from the age of 45 to 50. If glaucoma runs in your family, we recommend a check-up from the age of 40.
Symptoms of glaucoma
Chronic glaucoma
- Your field of vision gradually narrows.
- As it worsens, your sharpness of vision declines too.
- Blind spots appear in your field of vision, often without your really noticing.
Acute glaucoma
- Your eyes become painful, red and dull.
- Your vision turns blurry.
- You experience headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of glaucoma
It is important to have your eye pressure measured regularly by your ophthalmologist, along with an examination of the optic nerve, so that glaucoma can be detected in good time. If symptoms of glaucoma appear, acting quickly matters, because damage already done to the nerve cells cannot be repaired. Treatment focuses on lowering the eye pressure. This can be achieved with laser treatment, eye drops or, in exceptional cases, eye surgery.
The aim of glaucoma treatment is to lower the eye pressure permanently. Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured and existing damage cannot be reversed. That is why detecting glaucoma in good time is so important, so it can be treated appropriately. Regular check-ups are therefore essential
What treatments do we offer?
- Eye drops
Those who cannot tolerate laser or respond poorly to it are treated with eye drops to keep the eye pressure stable. These drops aim to reduce the production of aqueous humour or improve its drainage. They need to be applied once or twice a day.
- Microstent
In this surgical procedure under local anaesthetic, a new drainage channel is created to lower the eye pressure. This new channel is formed by a tube as thick as a horsehair, a micro-stent.
- Glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy)
In this procedure under local anaesthetic, a small opening is made in the white of the eye so that the eye fluid can drain away. This lowers the eye pressure dramatically.
How much does glaucoma treatment cost?
The price of this treatment varies and depends on the chosen approach and the severity of the glaucoma. During the consultation, we give you a clear picture of the costs of your specific treatment. This treatment is covered by the health insurance.